Reward grows to $4K for tips on burned dog

The reward for tips leading to a suspect who poured a thick liquid on a young dog that caused severe burns grew to $4,000 on Tuesday.

The Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit said the dog was rescued by Dearborn police, who received a call from a resident who found the injured dog Friday on city's east side. The shelter has received no tips on who may have injured the dog.

The dog was brought to the Dearborn shelter for treatment. The dog appeared to have been burned numerous times over a period of time. She's a mixed breed, estimated to be between 1 to 3 years old.

Dr. Melinda Merck of Veterinary Forensics Consulting has reviewed the burns, noting that the dog's injuries were made from a liquid. The burns were not accidental, she said.

“This was a deliberate act based on the separation of the burns from the shoulder, neck, head and legs and the linear aspects of many of the burns,” Merck said in a statement. "The drip lines indicate it was from a thick liquid."

Elaine Greene, the shelter's executive director, said the dog, whom they've named Phoenix, was kind despite being abused.

“In spite of the horrific nature of the injuries, (she's) very trusting of people," Greene said.

"Cruelty to animals makes us sick. Our staff has named the dog Phoenix because we want to see her rise again,” Greene said.

The shelter originally offered a $1,000 reward. They received an anonymous donation doubling the reward the same day. Shelter board members increased the reward to $4,000.

“Although we have not yet received any tips on who could have perpetrated this horribly cruel act, the outpouring of concern and support for Phoenix has been amazing and is truly appreciated,” said Greene.

Editor's note: Graphic image of Phoenix after surgery.

Pheniox was found burned and underwent surgery.(Photo: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit)

Contact the shelter at (313) 943-2607 with any information about the abuse of the dog. To donate to the surgery and medical treatment of Phoenix, visit metrodetroitanimals.org.